Accepted Invitation

 

Winter breathes a sigh, lets go Her grasp.

Sand, cold, steel under the retreating moon.

The ocean tethers beach, calling: “I am your Mother, Father.”

A seabird answers, a primeval song.

Two children watch, wait, pretending they don't know.

Pretending they don't know, don't know.

A primeval song, a primeval dance.

Hands touch, half-expecting fire,

finding the familiar instead.

Better than fire.

Fire flames up and burns,

Fuel used up,

True of even the quickening sun,

spirits used up,

move on.

Better than fire.

“I have missed you.”

“I've always been here.”

I know. “I know. I've still missed you.”

“I know.” A sigh. “Me, too.” I know.

Dawn breaks, Winter bows deeply, eyes averted.

Spring embraces two children watching.

Changed forever, always the same.

The song, primeval, wordless.

The dance, primeval, motionless.